The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the latest flagship wireless noise-cancelling headphone from Sony, and it’s a significant improvement over its predecessor. With advanced noise-cancellation technology, improved sound quality, and enhanced features, the WH-1000XM4 sets a new standard for wireless headphones.

Design and Comfort

The WH-1000XM4 boasts a sleek and premium design that exudes sophistication. The earcups are made of stainless steel with a soft-touch finish, while the headband is constructed from a durable plastic material. The foldable design allows for easy storage in a compact case.

The headphones are surprisingly lightweight, weighing only 255 grams, making them comfortable to wear during extended periods. The earpads are cushioned and adjustable, ensuring a secure fit for most head sizes. Sony has also included a feature called “Quick Attention” mode, which allows you to quickly lower the volume or turn off noise-cancellation with a simple touch of the headphones.

Noise Cancellation

The WH-1000XM4 features Sony’s advanced noise-cancellation technology, which uses two microphones in each earcup to detect and cancel out ambient noise. The result is an astonishing level of quietness that allows you to immerse yourself in your music or focus on your work without distractions.

In our testing, the headphones excelled at cancelling out background noise, including engine rumble, chatter, and even loud air conditioning vents. However, it’s worth noting that the noise-cancellation may not be as effective in extremely loud environments.

Sound Quality

The WH-1000XM4 delivers exceptional sound quality with a clear and detailed frequency response. The bass is deep and punchy, while the treble is crisp and refined. Sony has also included its proprietary “DSEE HX” technology, which upconverts compressed music files to near-lossless quality.

We were impressed by the headphones’ ability to reproduce complex musical arrangements with ease, making them a great choice for audiophiles.

Wireless Connectivity

The WH-1000XM4 features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and supports both AAC and LDAC codecs for high-quality audio streaming. You can connect up to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between your phone and PC or tablet.

Sony has also included a feature called “Multi-device pairing,” which allows you to pair the headphones with multiple devices at once. This is particularly useful if you want to listen to music on one device while taking calls on another.

Battery Life

The WH-1000XM4 boasts an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge, making them suitable for long-haul flights or extended listening sessions. In our testing, we achieved around 25 hours of continuous playback with noise-cancellation enabled.

Additional Features

The WH-1000XM4 includes several additional features that enhance the overall listening experience. These include:

• Quick Attention mode: Allows you to quickly lower the volume or turn off noise-cancellation
• Adaptive Sound Control: Automatically adjusts noise-cancellation levels based on your surroundings
• Speak-to-Chat: Temporarily turns off noise-cancellation when you speak
• Wireless charging: Supports Qi-compatible wireless charging

Conclusion

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is an outstanding wireless noise-cancelling headphone that sets a new standard for sound quality and features. With its advanced noise-cancellation technology, improved sound quality, and enhanced features, it’s the perfect choice for audiophiles, commuters, or anyone seeking an immersive listening experience.

While it may come with a premium price tag of $349, the WH-1000XM4 is worth every penny for its exceptional performance and durability.

Technical Specifications:

• Frequency Response: 4 Hz – 40 kHz
• Driver Unit: 40 mm dynamic drivers
• Noise Cancellation: Advanced noise-cancelling technology with dual microphones in each earcup
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours on a single charge (with noise-cancellation enabled)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, AAC and LDAC codecs
• Weight: 255 grams
• Dimensions: 275 x 240 x 85 mm (folded), 175 x 240 x 85 mm (unfolding)